Contacting Your Government Officials
Each company in our industry has the opportunity, even the responsibility, to build end-user awareness and rally consumer support. We have the ability to develop a powerful letter writing campaign to the FTC through our customers. It is our customers who are the consumers that face having their right to choose threatened by Lexmark and other printer manufacturers. Our industry has the ability to orchestrate a consumer movement that could change the way OEMs must operate.
The threats to our industry and its members are a reality. The competition is fierce and the threats will be ever-present. There is no final or ultimate victory. There is an ongoing need for measures that position, strengthen and protect our businesses.
Here is a sample letter that your customers can send to the FTC:
Office of Policy and Evaluation
Room 394
Bureau of Competition
Federal Trade Commission
600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20580
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in support of the remanufactured cartridge industry, and my right as a consumer to choose my own supplies.
The remanufacturing industry accounts for roughly $2.8 billion in sales in the highly competitive imaging supplies marketplace. Remanufacturers collect cartridges from the consumer and repair worn parts, replace used toner and resell the cartridges at approximately one-half the price of a new cartridge. This industry has been so successful that the original equipment manufacturers ('EMS) are fighting with the remanufacturers for market share.
Certain 'EMs are threatening to eliminate my choice when having my printing and duplicating equipment serviced, or purchasing replacement supplies. Increasingly, equipment manufacturers are using anticompetitive devices, including technology and marketing ploys that eliminate my ability to choose.
Imaging supplies are one of the largest business expenses annually. Consumers should have a choice when faced with the need to purchase supplies or service. We need your help to fight the threat presented by the 'EMs with anticompetitive devices in the imaging supplies industry. Please help us win this important battle by supporting the consumer’s right to choose.
Sincerely,
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Tips for Writing Your Elected Representative
- Your purpose for writing should be clearly stated in the opening paragraph of your letter. If the letter is to encourage support for a specific bill, identify it accordingly, e.g. I am requesting your support of H.R. 2735 and S.B. 2617, The Motor Vehicle Owner's Right to Repair Act.
- Be courteous and to the point. Briefly state why the issue at hand is important to you. When possible, give real-life examples to support your position.
- Discuss only one issue per letter and try to keep the letter to one page.
- Use company letterhead and type your correspondence.
- Include your name and mailing address.
- Write only the representative that represents you. Each of us have one representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Addressing Correspondence
When writing a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the letter should be addressed as follows:
The Honorable (full name)
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative (last name):
When writing a member of the U.S. Senate, the letter should be addressed as follows:
The Honorable (full name)
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator (last name):
Here is a sample Letter to Legislator:
| (Letter to Legislator)
Date
Hon. (State legislator)
(State) House of Representatives or Senate
Address
Dear (State legislator):
Remanufacturers represent more than ___ small businesses in _____ that remanufacture printer cartridges, employing more than _____ workers. Nationally, there are more than 6,000 companies employing over 34,000 people. This industry has been so successful that the original equipment manufacturers are fighting with the remanufacturers for market share.
Kentucky-based Lexmark International is attempting to control the supply of its Optra S and Optra T printer cartridges by promoting a single-use-only version of the cartridge that cannot be recycled or remanufactured. This program flies in the face of sound public policy as it needlessly fouls the environment and restricts consumer choice.
Our 12-year-old industry accounts for roughly $2.8 billion in sales in the highly competitive imaging supplies marketplace. Remanufacturers collect cartridges from the consumer and repair worn parts, replace used toner and re-sell the cartridges at approximately one-half the price of a new cartridge.
Remanufacturing is a labor-intensive process, and cartridge remanufacturers are generally small, local businesses. We provide an excellent local product that competes with large manufacturers and affords the consumer a high-quality, lower cost option to expensive new cartridges. We also offer an excellent environmental alternative.
Recognizing the many benefits of our industry, Texas, California and Connecticut have passed legislation promoting the purchase of remanufactured cartridges. Massachusetts, Oregon, and Oklahoma have initiated state procurement policies restricting the purchase of single-use cartridges.
Because of the legislative action taking place around the country, legislators have been able to secure a million-dollar tax credit for the remanufacturing industry. This incentive will provide the small business remanufacturer with a credit for the purchase of new equipment and a wage credit for new employees.
I ask that you consider supporting similar legislation to protect our vital industry. If you have any questions, please call me at ______.
The products remanufacturers produce are good for the environment, and we offer consumers a lower cost alternative, both in direct price comparisons and as a competitor that maintains price pressure on new printer cartridges. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you in-depth, and appreciate your support in this matter.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Corporation
Enc. |
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